| 2003-Present |
Annual visitation to Central Park reaches 25 million people.
July 21, 2003 marks Central Park's 150th Anniversary, which the Conservancy celebrates with events throughout the year.
The Central Park Conservancy completes work on the new Reservoir fence, a $2 million capital project to replace the old chain-link fence with a replica of the 8,170-foot steel and cast-iron fence that enclosed the Reservoir in 1926. The new fence and the removal of invasive trees and shrubs restore the stunning panoramic views of the Park and the Manhattan skyline.
The $1.5 million restoration of the Pool, supported by a generous gift to the Conservancy, is completed. The Pool's features were enhanced: new settee benches and path lights were installed, the site was graded, and attractive aquatic plants were introduced at the water's edge.
Conservancy volunteers contribute 21,000 hours of their time to working in the Park.
2004
Work begins on the restoration of the Heckscher Playground, the first step toward restoring the entire 30-acre historic playground landscape, which includes a building, ballfields, meadows, and rock outcroppings.
Conservancy staff and contractors begin work on the restoration of the Minton tiles that hang in the ceiling of the Bethesda Arcade to return them and the arcade back to their original glory.
President Regina Peruggi resigns after three years. Central Park Administrator Douglas Blonsky assumes the top position, while retaining the joint role of Administrator.
Conservancy volunteers spend 32,200 hours in Central Park helping field staff keep the Park beautiful.
2005
The Conservancy Celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
Christo and Jeanne-Claude install The Gates, Central Park, New York City, 1979-2005. For more than two weeks, Central Park is alive with color, excitement, enthusiasm, and goodwill. Millions of visitors come to see this long awaited and much anticipated installation from all over the U.S. and around the world. Many plan visits to New York City around this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle in Central Park, bringing unprecedented business to hotels, restaurants, theaters, and stores of all kinds during a normally slow and often bleak winter period.
Funding is secured for many projects, including the restoration of Literary Walk, Bank Rock Bridge and Bay in the Ramble, and the West 110th Street and Ancient Playgrounds.
2006
The newly restored Heckscher playground, Central Park’s oldest and largest, reopens after a yearlong renovation. This major face-lift was the first component of a three-phase project for the 30-acre historic playground landscape, located in the southwest part of the Park.
The Conservancy constructs a new Soil and Water Lab at the North Meadow Recreation Center with completely new equipment. The Lab will tend to the specific biological and chemical needs of the Park and will also serve as an education center for children and a link between the scientific community and the Conservancy.
The Conservancy announces The Campaign for Central Park, a $100 million initiative to restore the remaining major landscapes in Central Park and to provide long-term operating support.
The renovation of the Mall is completed after nine months. This included restoring the landscape to its original character and ensuring the health of the Mall’s precious American elms.
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